Noctua today presented its new NH-U12A premium-quality quiet CPU cooler. The NH-U12A is the latest, 5th generation of Noctua's award-winning U12 series of 120mm size coolers. Conceived to push the envelope of the 120mm form factor, it combines two of Noctua's flagship model NF-A12x25 PWM 120mm fans with a completely redesigned heatsink featuring 7 heatpipes and an increased fin surface area for superior heat dissipation. This way, the NH-U12A can rival the performance of many 140mm sized coolers while offering 120mm class case and PCIe compatibility.

"The original NH-U12 was the very first product we introduced back in 2005 and the U12 series has been at the core of our product line-up ever since," explains Roland Mossig (Noctua CEO). "Today, we're proud to continue this successful legacy by introducing the 5th generation that provides even better quiet cooling performance, which enables it to compete with much larger units while offering superior compatibility. In a nutshell, the NH-U12A is an ideal choice for customers who are looking for a cutting-edge cooler that's hassle-free to integrate in most setups."

First introduced in 2005, Noctua's NH-U12 series has won more than 600 awards and recommendations from leading international hardware websites and magazines. The NH-U12A is the latest addition to this prestigious series that has established itself as a benchmark for premium-quality quiet 120mm coolers. Thanks to its completely revised, thoroughly optimised 7 heatpipe layout, 37% more fin surface area (as compared to the NH-U12S) and a dual fan push/pull configuration that uses the new, state-of-the-art NF-A12x25 fans, the NH-U12A pushes the performance envelope in the 120mm class and can actually match or even outperform many 140mm sized coolers.

At the same time, the NH-U12A offers significant advantages in RAM, case and PCIe compatibility when compared to larger 140mm class coolers: Due to its asymmetric design, it does not overhang the RAM slots on Intel LGA115x and AMD AM4 based motherboards, which ensures easy access and 100% compatibility with modules that have tall heat-spreaders. As far as case compatibility is concerned, the 158mm tall cooler is short enough to fit most modern mid- or high-end tower cases. Measuring 125mm wide (including fan and fan clips), the NH-U12A stays clear of the top PCIe slot on most standard ATX or Micro-ATX motherboards, ensuring optimum compatibility with multi-GPU setups.

Topped off with the trusted, pro-grade SecuFirm2 multi-socket mounting system, Noctua's proven NT-H1 thermal compound and a full 6-year manufacturer's warranty, the NH-U12A is a deluxe choice that combines top-tier performance with excellent compatibility and outstanding quietness of operation.

ironwolf said:OK... I don't sell/use this brand so my question is genuine: why is this $100? o_O

Because the other U12S one was about 65$ (1x F12 fan) and if you wanted do add a second fan, you would get about 90$. Plus you get all the improvements made to this U12A one + two new kickass A12 fans.

Why are they expensive though? Because of what it said on the text above... that is confirmed by reviews: you get a freaking massive premium build quality bundle.
- the cooler is top quality and performs great + good mb compatibility
- the retention system is awesome and easy to mount + you get future Noctua retention/brackets (free or charge) everytime Intel or AMD decides to change their sockets
- you get an L shaped screwdriver that will basically be your PC tool of choice
- the fans are top quality + silent as f... + reliable as hell
- the thermal paste is also top + you get a good amount for years to come
- 6 years warranty (not that you'll need it, but it's there)

Basically, specially with this highly compatible "120mm" size, you'll have a cooler that will last you for more than 10 yrs or hardware changes, and it will do it flawlessly.
I compare it with a good power supply. Get a good solid one (paying for what you get) and you'll have a PSU "for life".

I have the normal one and it's great. i was considring the D14 or 15 which is the same price as this? But this being more compact appeals to me more than having a small aircraft carrier worth of metal hanging off my mobo lol

But why is this dual fan? If the fans are so good and the heatsink is so thin shouldn't it be more beneficial to just make the heatsink thicker and have only 1 fan in the middle or just plain thicker hitsink with the fan infront?

This fan is supposedly perfect with pressure and airflow, should be able to handle that heatsink easily.

NH-U12S is £55 here. I guess this will be near 80 or 100 quid given rip-off britain... Kinda hard to swallow that price increase if its not massively better. I have push/pull on my U12S and it tames my 2700X very well, even with Ballz-to-the-Wallz PBO tweak to 4.1 GHz all core it stays below 80C which isn't bad considering it was taking 150W package power and this is a 120mm tower.

Also yes please release version with no fans or just one, and make it cheaper accordingly. I don't need those super expensive fans lol